April 20, 2024
Ocho Rios, St. Ann. Jamaica
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Cop accused of breaking prisoner’s arm back in court

cop

Another mention has been set for a 2012 matter involving a police officer who was charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm to a prisoner in custody.

The case is said to be a cross case between both men, Sergeant Odaine Nelson and Luke Murray.

Both men had two dates set when they appeared before the St Ann Parish Court on Tuesday, January 24, before parish judge Peter Wilson.

Nelson is facing charges for allegedly beating a prisoner, Luke Murray, while in custody and breaking his arm. Details of Nelson’s case against Murray were not outlined in court on Tuesday.

After a discussion among the men, the prosecution and Judge Wilson, both men were given two dates on which to return. The case is set to be called up in court on April 5 and also on July 5.

Nelson who was arrested in connection to Murray’s assault was granted bail by parish judge Peter Wilson in the sum of $150,000 in 2015.

According to reports from the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM), Sergeant Nelson arrested Murray in 2012 for using indecent language.

Mr Murray allegedly resisted arrest causing a struggle to ensue between the two. It was then that Nelson called for backup and Murray was taken to the St Ann’s Bay police station.

It’s alleged that at that time, Nelson used a baton to beat Murray, breaking his arm.

On a previous court date, it was said that INDECOM investigated the matter and determined that there was no justification for the beating.

Nelson’s attorney, Oswest Senior Smith, however, said his client strongly denied the allegations insisting that the report given to INDECOM, by the complainant, was false.